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About the Year of Light

The International Year of Light is a global initiative which will highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their futures, and for the development of society. It is a unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect on a global scale.

The Blue Man

Polarized Photomicrograph

When you start looking on different scales, things can appear in a whole new light. Take, for example, this photomicrograph of a recrystalized mixture of anti-mucus medication and sodium citrate. A photomicrograph is simply an image that has been taken using a camera attached to a microscope. This particular photomicrograph was taken in polarized light. Typically, light waves vibrate in all different directions. When light is restricted to vibrating in just one plane, it is called "polarization" and this phenomenon can enhance certain features in such photomicrographs.
Image Credit:
Marek Mísview and download image here.

This website was developed by Lightsources.org, a collaboration between communicators from light source facilities around the world.

IYL2015 is a global initiative adopted by the United Nations to raise awareness of how optical technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to worldwide challenges in energy, education, agriculture, communications and health.